Bailey Hall and New Upperclass Hall (Area J)

          Turning and walking east, Bailey Hall, along with USM’s characteristic water tower, will come into view. Bailey Hall was built in a series of three sections over the years. The first was constructed in 1958, along with the water tower; the second was constructed in 1961 and contained a library wing; the third connected the existing two, had two extra stories, and was completed in 1969. The Bette Fitzgerald Memorial Rock Garden, complete with beautiful perennials, lovely shade trees and park benches, was created in memory of Bette Fitzgerald, a longtime Geology Department administrative assistant who passed away in 1995. Walking toward this expansive garden of an Amur Corktree (Phellodendron amurense ‘Macho’) (J-1) can be viewed.  This broad spreading tree required a certain amount of space for growth, but demonstrates a high resistance to pests.  This tree is another example of a marginally hardy tree that campus arborists took a chance with; fortunately, it thrives in the microclimate and wind protection provided by this inset corner of Bailey Hall.

            Turning north from this point, and rounding Bailey Hall’s southwest corner, a clump form American Yellowwood (Cladrastis kentuckea) (J-2) can be found near the building’s northeast corner. Its medium size and spreading habit make it an excellent choice for a shade tree in a size-limited location.